Bath Opera

In 1901, it was not unusual for an American naval officer to undergo a form of marriage with a Japanese Geisha: the marriage was understood to be short-term and the Geisha returned (a little richer) to the fold of her family and her profession. But when the touchingly young and naive Cho-Cho-San (Madame Butterfly) marries Lieutenant Pinkerton, she dedicates herself completely to him, renouncing Buddhism and as a consequence being disowned by her family.

Three years later, now living with his child in poverty, she steadfastly clings to the hope he will return to them. But when he does, it is with an American wife, and when he learns that he has a son, they want to take him back to America.

Cho-Cho-San sadly concedes he would have a better life there and having lost the two people she loved, resigns herself to death with honour and dignity.

Puccini described it as his most “deeply-felt and imaginative” opera. His finest musical writing includes the famous love duet at the end of Act One and the aria ‘One Fine Day’ in Act Two.

Bath Opera’s Madame Butterfly is sung in English. The Musical Director is Peter Blackwood and Stage Direction is by Jane Clark. The title role is played by Sophie Kirk-Harris, and Pinkerton is played by Nick Chiappetta.